Small computer for pfSense/OPNSENSE or full router setup
Small computer for pfSense/OPNSENSE or full router setup
You're seeking greater management over your personal network. Your current ISP router is limited and hard to customize. Exploring a dedicated all-in-one router with bridge mode could offer more flexibility. For that price range, mini PCs paired with wireless APs provide even finer control. Consider what features matter most—whether it's brand reputation, ease of setup, or advanced networking capabilities.
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You can install pfsense on nearly any PC that’s ten years or newer. If you have one available or know someone wanting to retire an old machine, it’s a smart way to reuse it. You’ll just need a 2 (or 4) port NIC—make sure it’s an Intel NIC—and you’re set. Avoid using pfsense as a simple switch; instead, use two ports—one for WAN and one for LAN. You can physically separate subnets on each port, but unless you have a specific need, stick to just two ports, with one dedicated to LAN and the other to WAN. For most home setups, opt for managed switches and apply VLANs as intended, routing everything through a single management interface on one physical port.
Consider exploring brands like Razer, ASUS, and Lenovo for mini PC options. Check online retailers such as Newegg, Amazon, or specialized tech stores.
I've got the N100 model which is significantly stronger than I expected. Once 2Gbit fiber becomes available, it will be perfect. The CPU improves the interface speed and is useful if you're using OpenVPN (which has been problematic with Wireguard). Apart from those points, both the N5105 and N100 can comfortably support up to 2.5Gbit. I already own the N5105 before the N100 was released as a backup, and it’s a solid choice. You won’t need more than 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, though having extra is fine. Overall, these chips should handle most tasks around 11W—maybe a bit higher in the US due to conversion efficiency.